Casumo brings back ‘inclusive’ rainbow goals to Madejski Stadium

Reading FC is going to change its goal nets from white to rainbow coloured, again, in support of the Stonewall Rainbow Laces campaign. 

In collaboration with official partner Casumo, this change will take place during the men’s home game against Hull City on 4 December, and will also be used in Reading’s women’s match against Chelsea.

Mark Strijbosch, sports marketing communications specialist at Casumo, commented:We are delighted to support the Stonewall Rainbow Laces initiative for a second year and proud to be part of the continued drive to increase awareness around the topic of inclusion in football.”

Furthermore, the online gaming company will also replace its traditional logo from the sponsorship hoarding with the red heart Casumo Cares logo.

Tim Kilpatrick, head of partnerships at the club, explained: “We are proud to work with Casumo again in supporting Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign. Football is for everyone and we are lucky to join forces with brilliant partners, like Casumo, who share our belief in inclusivity and diversity.”

The club’s rainbow goal nets first appeared during last season’s clash against Nottingham Forest, when the team became the first ever league club to change its nets to rainbow-themed ones. 

Reading went on to win the game 2-0 last November, and the collaboration claims that “the nets will be seen as a good omen should the Royals go on to do the business at the weekend again”. 

“Football is a game, more than a game to so many – a way of life,” shared Veljko Paunović, Reading FC manager, adding that he is proud of the club. “The spirit of football transcends the barriers that so often separate us – instead the sport we all live and breathe embraces differences in people and brings us all closer together as one community.”

“As a sport, it is here for everyone to enjoy, inclusive in its very nature. And it has to continue to be open and accessible to all.

“That is why supporters, players, coaches and clubs across the country continue to support fantastic campaigns like Rainbow Laces every season. And I am proud to be part of a football family that aims to strengthen the bonds that bind us and break down any barriers that stand in our way.”

Last year, the casino company pledged to donate £10 for every pass made by a Reading player wearing the Rainbow shirts, and a further £100 was also donated with each goal against Forest.